Last Updated on April 12, 2025
Basic security guard training Unit 5 Lesson (B)
Bomb threats may be rare, but they are hazardous situations that must be handled with care and professionalism.
Even if the majority of threats turn out to be hoaxes or pranks, any explosive device has the potential to cause death, injury, and significant damage. Therefore, every security guard must be trained in how to deal with a bomb threat in the workplace.
Who Makes Bomb Threats and Why?
Understanding the potential source of a bomb threat can help prevent and respond. Bomb threats may come from:
- Disgruntled co-workers or family members – Those who wish to cause harm to someone they blame for personal issues.
- Unhappy customers – People dissatisfied with products or services who feel ignored or mistreated.
- Angry employees – Especially those recently terminated or mistreated by management.
- Protestors – Individuals with political, social, or religious motivations.
- Pranksters – People who enjoy causing panic without any real intention of harm.
Where Can a Bomb Threat Occur?
A bomb threat can be made in or against any location where public fear can be triggered. Common targets include:
- Offices
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Malls and markets
- Events and gatherings
- Vehicles and parking areas
Common Methods of Making Bomb Threats
Threats may be received through:
- In person
- Telephone calls
- Emails
- Letters or suspicious packages
How to Deal with a Bomb Threat in the Workplace
1. If You Receive a Threat In Person:
- Remain calm and composed to prevent panic.
- Try to keep the reporting person nearby if safe to do so.
- Gather full details about what was seen or heard.
- Note their physical appearance, behavior, and timing.
- Write a detailed report of the incident immediately.
2. If You Receive a Threat Over the Telephone:
Use a bomb threat checklist to ask the caller important questions:
Bomb Threat Telephone Checklist:
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- Where is the bomb right now?
- What does it look like?
- What type of bomb is it?
- What will trigger it to explode?
- Did you place the bomb? Why?
- What is your name?
- What is your location?
- Are there others involved?
While on the call:
- Signal someone discreetly to listen from another line.
- Stay calm and focus on collecting information.
- Listen for background noise (sirens, machines, voices).
- Try to identify the caller’s accent, tone, or emotional state.
- Notify the emergency contact and follow site procedures immediately.
3. If You Receive a Threat by Letter or Package:
Check for the following signs:
- Feel: Is it lumpy, stiff, or unusually heavy?
- Appearance: Poorly written or typed, unfamiliar sender, vague recipient like “Manager” or “Director.”
- Smell: Explosives may smell like almonds or fuel.
- Packaging: Reused or unprofessional-looking, with excessive tape or stamps.
- Sound: Listen for ticking, sloshing, or mechanical noises.
Do not open or handle the package. Report it to your supervisor and evacuate the area if needed.
Bomb Threat Security Response: Five Key Principles
- Have a Prepared Plan – Follow the emergency plan provided for your site.
- Evacuation Priorities – Assist elderly people, children, women, and those with special needs first.
- Emergency Response Coordination – Alert your emergency response team and external agencies.
- Consult Building Experts – They understand exit routes, structure, and hidden areas.
- Search Procedures – Follow systematic bomb search methods.
Three Common Bomb Search Methods
- Grid Method – Divide the area into squares and search each systematically.
- Concentric Circle Method – Start at the center and move outward in circles.
- Bottom-to-Top Method – Begin from the lowest floor and move upward.
How to Identify Suspicious Items
Bombs are often hidden in everyday objects and may not resemble traditional bombs. Be alert for:
- Unattended bags (briefcases, sports bags)
- Items placed in garbage bins or machinery
- Vehicles parked in odd locations
- Items that seem out of place or unfamiliar
Use CCTV cameras to review recent activity and detect suspicious behavior around the item.
Steps to Take if You Discover a Suspicious Device
- Do not touch or move the item.
- Clear the area to a radius of at least 100 meters.
- Do not use mobile phones or radios near the device (could trigger detonation).
- Call your planned emergency contact or police via landline.
- Secure the area and prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep people away from the device rather than attempting to move it.
- Do not disturb the environment around the device.
- Maintain calm and assist emergency services upon arrival.
Post-Evacuation Procedures
- Conduct a headcount or roll call if possible.
- Do not allow anyone to re-enter the building until cleared by the police or bomb squad.
- Stay available to brief emergency responders with the information you collected.
- Prepare and submit a full incident report.
Handling False Alarms and Hoaxes
- Treat every threat as real until confirmed otherwise.
- Avoid blaming the reporting person unless there’s clear malicious intent.
- All false alarms must still be documented and analyzed for learning.
Training and Drills
To improve bomb threat security, your site should:
- Conduct regular drills on evacuation and threat handling.
- Train guards to identify suspicious packages.
- Review and update the site-specific response plan.
- Ensure every staff member knows emergency contact numbers.
Coordination with Emergency Services
- Immediately notify the police, fire department, and bomb disposal team.
- Cooperate fully and provide them with:
- Description of the threat or package
- Site maps and access routes
- Information about evacuation status
- Do not interfere with their investigation.
Summary: How to Deal with Bomb Threats Effectively
- Always take bomb threats seriously.
- Stay calm and follow procedures.
- Use a checklist when receiving phone threats.
- Know and follow your site’s emergency response plan.
- Use approved search methods for suspicious items.
- Do not touch or approach any suspected device.
- Evacuate 100 meters away and inform the authorities.
- Assist emergency teams and keep detailed notes.
- Perform regular training and maintain full awareness at all times.
